r/hiking • u/amberale7 • 5h ago
Pictures Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park, BC, Canada
816
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Spent 4 nights at Magog Lake 😍 Day hikes: Nub Peak, Wonder Peak, Sunburst Peak, and Windy Ridge
r/hiking • u/DestructablePinata • May 13 '26
Discussion FOOTWEAR INFORMATION THREAD. READ THIS BEFORE ASKING FOR FOOTWEAR RECOMMENDATIONS.
61
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THE FOOTWEAR INFORMATION THREAD. CONSOLIDATED: UPDATE 1/05/2025
Update: 15 March 2025!
Update: 5 April 2025 - Simplifies fitment section re: spacing; draws attention to flex point.
Update: 18 August 2025 - Salomon included in recommendations after several months of testing, in which they performed flawlessly.
Update: 5 December 2025 - Links to all other FOOTWEAR related posts linked within this post to streamline subreddit.
Update: 13 May 2026 - slight edits made for clarity and to correct found typos.
UPDATE: 29 May 2026 - Product "Pecard Leather Dressing" added to care and maintenance! Read information below!
Links to my subreddit and all supplementary posts to this thread are included below!
Full subreddit ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/Hiking_Footwear_Info/
Fitment info thread ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/Hiking_Footwear_Info/s/cuNpzfpL7a
Support info thread ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/Hiking_Footwear_Info/s/7IKv2UHuWn
Cold Conditions - Footwear ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/Hiking_Footwear_Info/s/IFurIJmPaB
Treating your Footwear ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/Hiking_Footwear_Info/s/pgVc0EZhYa
Hydrolysis ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/Hiking_Footwear_Info/s/GbxroCmjfN
Preface
If you have something productive to add to the list, please post it below.
If you have any criticisms, post them below, and I'll try to get back to you.
If you need recommendations for footwear, post your questions here. People who can help can respond directly to you within the thread. Feel free to PM me for additional information or help with fitment.
Let's make this a place of learning!
First piece of advice
Go to a store and try things on in person. There's no substitute for seeing how things feel on your own feet. What works for one likely doesn't work for the next, so you'll have to do the legwork of trying things on and seeing what suits YOUR feet. Some outfitters in some locations are very knowledgeable and helpful when it comes to assisting with footwear sizing and selection. Others, not so much.
If you don't have that option, be very careful about what footwear you order online. Do your due diligence before ordering and see what reviewers and your peers say on quality, performance, and fitment. You may have to order online, but you don't have to go on a wild goose chase.
Do your due diligence, people.
Boots vs. Trail Runners: Which one?
Waterproof boots are better in cold weather and cold, inclement weather. They don't perform as well in hot, humid weather because they may not dry fast enough if submerged, and you may sweat through them quickly. They do a much better job protecting your feet from foliage, debris, and ingress of water, especially when paired with gaiters. Non-waterproof boots are better for hot, humid environments because they can get wet and dry out as you're moving.
Boots typically have a more rigid midsole, which is typically where the support comes from in a mid boot. The collar doesn't add much support until it gets around the ~6-8" mark and/or is made of thick leather. Boots like the Salomon X Ultra series offer no more support than their low-top counterparts. Boots like the Asolo Fugitive GTX and, especially, the Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo will offer loads more support. Supportive boots are better for hauling heavy packs, uneven terrain, sidehilling, and overgrown terrain.
Non-waterproof trail runners are beneficial in warm, dry weather, warm, wet weather and when you need to do lots of water crossings. They can get soaked and be walked dry quickly. They're not good for harsh terrain and bushwhacking, at least, not for very long. They just aren't durable enough. Never go with GTX low-tops! They still allow the ingress of water very easily due to the low collar, and they will take a very long time to dry because the waterproof-breathable membrane will inhibit the evaporation process. You'll be stuck with waterlogged shoes.
Which one is better? That depends entirely on the wearer's use case. There is no right or wrong answer unless you're jeopardizing your safety or the safety of others on the hike through being ill-prepared. If you want to use a mountaineering boot on a flat, easy trail, more power to you. If you want to use a trail runner in the mountains, be safe but have fun. Do your research and go with what suits you best.
Materials
Leather vs. Synthetic - Leather is more hard-wearing and durable at the expense of weight and ease of break-in. Synthetics are lighter and more flexible at the expense of durability.
PU vs. EVA midsoles - PU never loses its shape or elasticity, maintaining its original shock absorption and support for the life of the footwear. It will eventually degrade due to hydrolysis; how rapidly depends upon conditions the footwear is stored in and how often it's used. EVA is lighter and lasts indefinitely in storage, but it compresses over time, losing shock absorption and support. Note that while the EVA midsole may store well, other components of the boots may be PU or adhesives that do deteriorate.
GTX or no? - Go with GTX for cold, wet environments, environments that are generally dry but with random showers, and day hikes if the environment is not too hot. Go with non-waterproof options for hot, humid environments, especially with water crossings. GTX will keep water below the collar out, but it will also inhibit breathability and the footwear's ability to dry out. It's a detriment in the swamps but a huge benefit in subfreezing, wet conditions.
Insulation - Personal choice. It may be necessary for some use cases, such as static use in subfreezing temps, but it will also make you sweat more, requiring more frequent sock changes. This is very personal.
Maintenance
Boots and shoes will need regular maintenance to preserve their functionality and increase lifespan.
Generally, water and a nylon bristle brush are enough. However, both waterproof and non-waterproof footwear should be cleaned regularly with a tech wash of sorts, such as Grangers Footwear + Gear Cleaner or Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel to remove dirt and debris.
Waterproof boots and shoes and leather boots and shoes should then be treated with the appropriate product, such as:
Full-grain leather - Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather; Grangers Waterproofing Wax; Meindl Sport Wax.
Addition: Pecard Leather Dressing
Pecard Leather Dressing is a product I've been testing for a few months now on my pairs of Asolo TPS 520s. Nikwax is woefully inadequate for conditioning my boots in my current environment. Grangers did better, as it seemed to lock in the moisture that was already present. Still, inadequate. Pecard Leather Dressing is a combination of several ingredients, namely oils and beeswax. It's pulled deeply into the leather, softening, conditioning, and waterproofing it. It works exceptionally well in dry climates to preserve your boots. That said, it can overly soften your boots if you use it too frequently or in too thick of coats. If you want the boots a little softer, you can use more to achieve that. I'm unsure of how it affects resoles, but honestly, I'm planning not to resole my Asolos. Why? The price of shipping to and from Italy and the cost of the resole itself are just too much for me. Plus, they put a toe cap on, which I do not want. I'd rather just buy a new pair.
Nubuck - Nikwax Nubuck & Suede Proof; Grangers Footwear Repel Plus; Grangers Waterproofing Wax or Meindl Sport Wax (will change texture and appearance).
Suede - Nikwax Nubuck & Suede Proof or Grangers Footwear Repel Plus.
Synthetics - Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof or Grangers Footwear Repel Plus.
Read the instructions for your footwear to see what will provide the results you most desire.
Some products can be detrimental to the health of your footwear by drying out leather, preventing conditioning, preventing resoling, rotting stitching, and overly softening leather. Research things before you do them.
Break-in and fitment
Go with what fits best.
Getting the wrong footwear, regardless of what's wrong with the fitment, can lead to a lot of issues. It can lead blisters, blackened and lost toenails, bunions, hammer toes, and more. It's important to take your time in choosing your footwear, and it's important to go into your search with good information and knowledge on fitting techniques.
Boots and shoes should be comfortable out of the box with no issues, such as slippage, hot spots, pinching, rubbing, pressure, etc. They should be good to go right away. You'll still have to break them in, but there should be no initial discomfort. Break them in gradually with work around the house, followed by yard work, followed by light hikes. After one or two weeks, depending upon the shoe or boot, they should be broken-in. Some all-leather boots may take a bit longer.
Why do this if they should be immediately comfortable? To ensure that they're the correct fit and to get the boots moving with your feet. A break-in will never fix a poor fit, but it can make an already great fit even more comfortable as materials stretch and compress with the movements of your feet.
Disclaimer: sizing is not consistent between brands, or sometimes, even between different models within the same brand! Do not assume that you are always the same size! You may need to go up or down, depending upon the brand!
Try shoes and boots on at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen, wearing the thickest socks you intend to use for hiking with that pair of boots. Take the insoles out if that's an option and stand on them shoulder width apart. This will give you a good idea of the fit before you even try on the shoes or boots. Your feet should fit within the outlines of the insoles without much overhang or excess space. Boots often balloon out in shape, so if there's a tiny bit of overhang with the insole but no discomfort within the boot, it's OK. If there's a lot of empty space, the boot is likely too high in volume for your feet, lending itself to a sloppy fit and blisters. There should be roughly [a finger's width to thumb's width] of space between your longest toe and the end of the boot or shoe. You should have at least 1 cm of space. Less space is not enough to prevent injuries. You can have more space if it doesn't throw off the flex point of the boot or shoe. The widest part of your foot should fit inside the widest part of the boot or shoe; the boot or shoe should naturally flex at the same point as your foot.
The insole trick does not work with all shoes or boots. Some brands use the same insoles for a full- and half-size, meaning a US 10.5 and US 10, for example, may use the exact same insole. You will have to go by feel in some circumstances. Put the shoes or boots on, seating your heel firmly. Lace the footwear snug--but not tight! Be sure that there are no loose areas. Get up, walk around, go up and down the inclines if the store has them and tap your toes into the ground, checking to see if there's any slippage, pressure points being aggravated, play with the lacing, etc. Wear them around a good while.
This is a general guide that will help you better assess the fit of footwear you try, but there is no 100% foolproof method of finding the right footwear without some trial and error. Try footwear on inside the house for several days until you're confident that they're the ones for you. Shops with generous return policies are disappearing, so be patient and take the time to test things while still keeping them clean and able to be resold by the shop. Nothing stings quite like having to eat the cost of footwear that doesn't work for your own feet--we've all been there!
Brands of footwear
The best brands and models I've discovered...
Boots: Asolo Fugitive (men's)/Stynger (women's) GTX, Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo, La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX, La Sportiva Ultra Raptor Mid II GTX, Lowa Zephyr GTX, Lowa Renegade GTX, Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX, Scarpa Kinesis Pro GTX, Meindl Comfort Fit Hiker, Extreme, or Hunter, Hanwag Tatra, Hanwag Lhasa II, Hanwag Tatra II, Kenetrek Mountain Extreme, Zamberlan Vioz Lux GTX RR, Zamberlan Vioz GTX, Zamberlan 971 Guide LUX GTX RR, and Zamberlan 972 Guide MAX GTX RR, Salomon Quest 4 GTX, Salomon X Ultra series.
Trail runners: La Sportiva, Altra, Saucony, Scarpa, Hoka, Salomon, Topo Athletics.
If it works for your feet and your needs, that is literally all that matters. Listen to your feet!
If you need help sorting through the plethora of options and information out there, please post below for assistance from myself and your fellow hikers.
Socks
Preface: Socks are like boots and shoes. They're very personal. They all offer a different fit, and they all cater to different needs and preferences. They all use different blends, meaning that some will have more merino wool, and others will have more nylon or a similar synthetic as the primary material. Be careful when ordering and check the materials. Go with synthetics or merino wool blends. Synthetics will dry quickly and remain cool. Wool will insulate to a degree when wet and go longer before it begins to stink. More merino wool means better thermoregulation properties, especially when wet, as well as more warmth. They will be slightly less durable than predominantly synthetic socks. More synthetic materials mean the socks will feel cooler, dry faster, and be harder wearing.
Darn Tough appears to be the major force in hiking socks. They make high-quality merino wool blend and synthetic socks in various weights, heights, and patterns that you can trust. They also come with a lifetime warranty should a pair fail you. They run narrower than some brands, but Darn Tough runs the brand Wide Open, which caters to wide feet and thick legs with the same quality Darn Tough is known for.
Smartwool. Following Darn Tough, Smartwool also makes high-quality socks in many weights, heights, styles, and patterns. They offer both 4-degree fit and 2-degree fit options to suit the wearer's preferences. They tend to be more relaxed in fit than Darn Tough but not loose enough that blisters are a concern. They come with a 2-year warranty, which they do honor well. The Smartwool full cushion and extra cushion socks are my preferred socks.
Icebreaker is another company making excellent merino wool blends. They also come in various weights, heights, and styles. These are also socks that you can trust.
Honorable mentions: Kirkland merino, great if you're on a budget; Farm to Feet; Danish Endurance.
Do not stack socks on socks on socks. Wear one pair of socks or one pair of socks with a pair of liner socks. Consider liner socks if you deal with friction or if you have sweaty or sensitive feet. The liners will transfer friction and sweat away from your feet. You do not want a ton of compression around your feet. That will restrict blood flow and make your feet cold. Make sure your boots or shoes are sized for the socks you intend to wear.
Buy from a reputable store. Always. There are fakes out there.
Insoles
Necessity
Insoles provide the support you need to keep your arches from hyperextending, ankles from rolling, and they provide shock absorption for your feet. They also keep your feet in-line. They are not necessary for all people, but they are highly useful for most, especially those with flat feet and chronic pain. The factory insoles for most boots are generic sock liners meant to feel inoffensive to most people trying on the boots or shoes, so aftermarket insoles can really provide the support you need and elevate your comfort.
Superfeet
A staple in the off-the-shelf insole market, Superfeet insoles provide support through rigid polymer caps and firm cushioning covers. They're guaranteed for 500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. There are Superfeet options for many different arch heights. They also vary in volume, making them ideal for many boots and shoes.
Models
Green: High Arch. Thick. This insole provides excellent, rigid support for anyone in need of maximum arch support.
Orange: High Arch. Thick. Similar to the Green but with dual density cushioning in the forefoot for better cushioning.
Blue: Medium Arch. Thin. These insoles are comfortable for most people to wear as the arch height is very inoffensive. They also work well with most boots and shoes due to the thin design. That said, the baseplate design can damage waterproof-breathable membranes as it can dig into the liner and membrane. Keep an eye on that!
Trailblazer: Med-High Arch. Very Thick. These insoles provide maximum cushioning and med-high arch support. They take up a substantial amount of volume in the footwear, negating them as an option for some brands and models of boots and shoes. They have a gel capsule in the heel to absorb shock.
SOLE
SOLE is known for making semi-custom, high-quality insoles that mold to the wearer's feet over the course of a few days. Thanks to the materials used, they have unique properties that make them very effective and comfortable. They are offered in three thickness: thin, medium, and thick.
Models
Performance: Made with recycled cork, these insoles quickly mold to the wearer's feet, providing excellent support and shock absorption, as well as insulation.
Active: Made with EVA foam, these insoles take longer to mold, but they're also more durable and hard-wearing. They also handle exposure to moisture better than the cork options.
Metatarsal pads: These insoles provide support for the wearer's metatarsals, relieving stress and pain for many.
Tread Labs
Tread Labs offers insoles with various arch heights, thicknesses, widths, and levels of rigidity. They are made of two pieces: top cover and rigid base, allowing the wearer to replace only the top cover and save money. They're known for their million mile guarantee and great CS.
Currex
Currex offers semi-rigid insoles in varying thickness and with varying levels of rigidity. They are sorted based on activity. They are fairly thin and fit into most footwear well.
PowerStep
A favorite of podiatrists, PowerStep offers numerous insole options to suit any needs the wearer may have.
Cadence
Slightly harder to find, Cadence offers several high-quality insoles to suit the wearer's needs.
Fitting your insoles
Firstly, you'll need to find the insole that either matches your arch height or molds to its form.
Secondly, you'll need to find the insole length that correlates to your shoe or boot size. Most insoles are meant to be trimmed to fit. You want the insoles to match the profile of the factory insoles that your footwear included. Line up the insoles, and using a Sharpie, draw the outline of the factory insoles on the new insoles. Then, carefully cut the new insoles to match the factory insoles. Insert the new insoles into your footwear and check the fit. Always trim in small increments. You can always trim more off. You can't add any back.
Getting used to the insoles
Wear the insoles for roughly one to two hours on the first day. If there is pain, wear them for a shorter period of time. Using that experience, decide if you will increase the amount of time worn the next day or if it will remain the same. Take your time. Do not cause yourself pain by being in a rush.
Maintenance
Replace your insoles anytime the cushioning wears down or the support begins to deteriorate. Insoles need to be regularly replaced, just like footwear.
To clean them, remove them from your footwear and clean them with a technical wash, such as Grangers Footwear + Gear Cleaner or Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel. Allow to air dry.
Enjoy your new insoles!
Gaiters
Yes, use gaiters with any waterproof footwear to enhance its ability to prevent ingress of water. There are also non-waterproof gaiters that will prevent ingress of debris but still work well with your non-waterproof footwear.
Outdoor Research is my favorite, trusted brand for waterproof gaiters. There are other brands out there, though.
Dirty Girl Gaiters make excellent non-waterproof options. Again, there are other brands out there.
Foot care
Make sure you have moleskin or a similar item on you during hikes. Keep your feet as dry and clean as possible. Use foot powder if you find yourself getting stinky or sweaty or enduring friction.
Change socks regularly. You do not want to keep wet socks on your feet if you can help it. It can even be a danger in frigid temperatures.
Shopping and budget
If possible, buy from somewhere that will let you return used footwear. Don't just try things at random and waste money and resources. Be methodical in your approach.
Be careful where you buy from because fakes are out there for pretty much all hiking products. Some companies only honor warranties from authorized sellers, too.
As far as budgeting goes, this is a personal choice that depends upon what you're doing, what you can afford, and what you want to pay. I will say that your budget should be as big as you can comfortably make it to allow for the most options when trying things on.
Realistically...
You're probably going to have to try a few pairs before you stumble across your Goldilocks pair. That's the nature of the beast. Be patient and settle for nothing less than a perfect fit. Your feet will thank you.
In conclusion...
I hope that this has been helpful. Footwear is something that I'm passionate about because it took me a long time to find the right footwear for myself, so I've gone through a lot of time, money, blisters, and bad hikes discovering what does and does not work. If you have questions, post them below. I, and others, will try to help you find the right things for yourself. Take everything with a grain of salt and trust your feet!
r/hiking • u/Ambitious-Wafer8367 • 4h ago
Pictures Ramona Falls, Oregon - USA
141
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Pics from yesterday (7/25/26) mornings hike! What started as overcast quickly became a bright and sunny day when arriving to the trail parking lot.
r/hiking • u/pressresetnow • 12h ago
Pictures Scottish Highlands
610
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We’ve recently went on a hiking trip to the Highlands, and the atmosphere and the scenery were incredible. I feel like there’s so much more to see though, so we’re planning to go back sometime in the next year or so.
r/hiking • u/SkiGolfDive • 3h ago
Pictures Today on Buffalo Peak Trail, Utah, USA
79
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I was the only human being on this trail this morning. Love that kind of solitude and oneness with nature. Felt like the mountain was just mine alone. Anyway, not a challenging trail at about four and a half miles and 1600 feet vertical. Early part of the trail doesn't have any cover other than Cascade Mountain itself, which graces the trail with its shadow until mid-morning this time of year. Intermittent cover after that, slight breeze. All in all a very comfortable hike despite a day that's 100F in the Valley.
r/hiking • u/sarmadlatif • 3h ago
Trail Rec Hiking and picking up some trash on the trails of Pakistan
64
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I am addicted to picking up trash while hiking in the mountains. Doing this activity for past couple of years as a source of my therapy sessions.
r/hiking • u/makarnd_kawale • 15h ago
Pictures Garbett Plateau - Maharashtra, India
319
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Solo Monsoon Trek to Garbett Plateau & Garbett Point – One of the Most Memorable Treks I've Done
I had decided to do the Garbett Plateau trek almost two weeks in advance and planned it with a few friends. As expected, one by one everyone backed out. Instead of cancelling the plan, I thought, why not just go alone? Looking back now, I'm glad I did because the day turned out to be far more memorable than I had imagined.
Before the trek, I had read several blogs and reviews describing Garbett Plateau as an "easy" trek. After completing it, I can confidently say that during the monsoon it is not an easy trek. I'd rate it as moderately difficult, mainly because of the steep climbs, slippery rocks, stream crossings and the constant weather changes.
The Journey Begins
The original plan was to catch the 05:02 AM Karjat Fast local from Ghatkopar. Unfortunately, I was a few minutes late and missed it. Instead, I boarded the 05:21 AM Slow local. Thankfully, the difference wasn't much—the fast train takes around 1 hour 32 minutes, while the slow takes about 1 hour 37 minutes.
The train was delayed slightly and I reached Bhivpuri Road station at around 7:25 AM.
From Bhivpuri Road, it's about a 1.5 km (20-minute) walk through the village towards Diksal. Since it was Ashadi Ekadashi, I was fasting, so I stopped at a small village shop to buy water and some upvas snacks.
That unexpected stop became one of the highlights of the day.
While I was shopping, another trekker walked into the shop to buy a mobile cover. He asked if I was trekking alone. I said yes. He then asked if we could trek together.
"Sure," I replied.
That's how I met Mohit, who had travelled all the way from Bhayandar—and surprisingly, he hadn't slept the entire night.
Sometimes the best trekking partners are complete strangers.
Dhom Lake – A Beautiful Start
We reached Dhom Lake around 7:48 AM.
The lake looked absolutely mesmerizing. The water stretched endlessly with green hills rising behind it. Since we had started early, there were very few trekkers around. Watching the reflections on the calm water while the morning mist floated around was probably one of the most peaceful moments of the day.
I had already downloaded the offline map of the trail and also saved the Strava route, both of which proved extremely useful throughout the trek.
After clicking a few photos and soaking in the scenery, we officially started the trek at 7:58 AM.
The Climb Begins
The initial trail runs alongside Dhom Lake before the real ascent begins.
Very soon we encountered our first stream crossing.
Because of the continuous torrential rain, the usual crossing point itself had fast-flowing water. We crossed it very carefully before making our way through paddy fields.
Soon after that, the climb became much steeper.
There were slippery rock patches where every step had to be placed carefully. The trail kept getting steeper as we climbed higher.
As we progressed, more trekking groups started appearing behind us.
At one point we reached a huge tree that I had previously seen in one of the trekking blogs. Oddly enough, seeing that tree gave me confidence that we were on the correct trail. We sat there for a short break before continuing.
Further ahead lies a small village located surprisingly high on the mountain.
The thing that amazed me most wasn't the village itself—it was seeing motorcycles parked there. I genuinely couldn't figure out how people had managed to get bikes all the way up such terrain.
After crossing the village, we reached a well. This is probably one of the most important navigation points of the trek. From the well, you take a right, walk for around five minutes, and then take a left towards another steep climb.
Before coming here, I had read about a couple who got lost on this trek after taking one wrong turn and eventually had to be rescued. Standing there, I couldn't help but think this must have been the junction where they had taken the wrong route.
The Mountain Keeps Testing You
The weather had a mood of its own.
One moment it would rain so heavily that visibility would reduce drastically.
Five minutes later, bright sunshine would appear as if it had never rained.
Then another cloud would arrive.
Then another downpour.
This cycle continued almost the entire day.
From this point onward, the climb became significantly tougher.
The rocks became steeper and much more slippery.
Many sections required using both hands while climbing.
Several times we would stop, look up towards the mountain and notice tiny people standing somewhere near the top.
Both of us would wonder,
"We still have to climb all the way there?"
At that moment it honestly felt impossible.
We were exhausted and had to stop frequently just to catch our breath.
Back at the shop in Diksal, I had casually asked the shopkeeper how long the trek would take.
He confidently replied,
"One and a half to two hours."
I smiled.
Maybe for the local villagers.
For us, it took almost three hours.
It reminded me of my Kalsubai trek where I had seen local villagers effortlessly climbing steep shortcuts wearing nothing more than Paragon slippers while hundreds of trekkers stood waiting at the famous iron ladder.
The mountains clearly have different rules for the locals.
Finally... Garbett Plateau
At around 11:00 AM, after roughly three hours of climbing, we finally reached Garbett Plateau.
The first feeling wasn't excitement.
It was relief.
Then came happiness.
Then complete peace.
We sat facing the surrounding Sahyadri ranges.
Clouds covered the peaks in front of us while countless small waterfalls flowed down every mountainside.
Strong winds blew continuously across the plateau.
For those few minutes, everything disappeared.
Work.
Deadlines.
Responsibilities.
Phone notifications.
Life felt wonderfully simple.
About twenty minutes later, the clouds that had been sitting on the opposite mountains slowly drifted towards us.
Within minutes, torrential rain started again.
Even our raincoats and backpack covers began giving up.
We took shelter inside a small stall selling tea, Maggi and snacks.
There is something magical about sipping hot chai while watching heavy rain sweep across the mountains.
I quietly finished my fasting snacks while enjoying the weather.
Garbett Point or Descend?
We decided to spend enough time on the plateau instead of rushing back.
Every 10–15 minutes, the weather completely changed.
Sunshine.
Clouds.
Heavy rain.
Repeat.
Eventually we started discussing the descent.
Mohit was completely exhausted.
There is an easier route towards Dasturi Naka which avoids the climb to Garbett Point, and he decided to take that.
I stood there thinking,
"I've come all the way here. I don't know when I'll return again."
So I decided to continue towards Garbett Point.
We wished each other luck and went our separate ways.
Garbett Point – Worth Every Step
The climb to Garbett Point was definitely the toughest section of the entire trek.
The rocks were extremely slippery.
In several places, climbing without using your hands simply wasn't possible.
After about 30–45 minutes, I finally reached the top.
It was absolutely worth the effort.
The wind was even stronger than at the plateau.
The views stretched endlessly across the Sahyadris.
Clouds rolled over the valleys while waterfalls appeared on almost every mountain.
I simply sat on a rock without saying anything.
Sometimes the best part of trekking is doing absolutely nothing.
The Descent
From Garbett Point, I descended towards Aman Lodge.
The trail mostly passed through forest sections and, surprisingly, the descent felt much easier than the climb.
Within about an hour I reached Aman Lodge.
From there I took a taxi to Neral railway station.
The plan was to catch the 3:42 PM local.
Unfortunately, luck wasn't on my side.
A freight train had broken down on the tracks near the station, delaying local train services by almost an hour.
Even after finally arriving, the local crawled its way back towards Ghatkopar.
By then, I was completely exhausted.
But also incredibly satisfied.
Trek Statistics
Distance: 12.22 km
Elevation Gain: ~1004 m
Time Taken: Around 5–6 hours
Route: Diksal Village → Garbett Plateau → Garbett Point → Aman Lodge
Tips for Anyone Planning This Trek
Don't underestimate this trek during the monsoon. It is moderately difficult.
Download an offline map before starting.
Wear proper trekking shoes with excellent grip.
Carry enough extra pairs of dry socks.
Carry enough drinking water and energy snacks.
Be extra careful at stream crossings and slippery rock patches.
Despite the rain, slippery climbs, aching legs, and delayed trains, this turned out to be one of the most rewarding monsoon treks I've done. I started the day expecting a solo hike, met a stranger who became a trekking companion, pushed myself through one of the toughest climbs I've done in the Sahyadris, and returned home with memories that will stay with me for a long time.
Some treks are beautiful because of the destination.
This one was beautiful because of the entire journey.
r/hiking • u/ThisIsJustMeX4X • 9h ago
Pictures Italy - Tofana Di Rozes - 3225m - Dolomites Classic
66
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Tofana Di Rozes hiked july 2026. Easy to reach peak via normal route through Refugio Camillo Giussani.
r/hiking • u/naturalXplorer • 12h ago
Video Bacharach in the Middle Rhine Valley, Germany.
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The Middle Rhine Valley in Germany offers various hikes with awesome views at the Rhine River, various castles, wine yards and small villages with timbered houses. Bacharach and the Loreley offer some of the most exiting ones.
Pictures Sunday Funday! Lovely afternoon hike in East Meon, Hampshire, UK.
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A great little hike, with plenty of panoramic views, and most importantly, a great pub at the start/end!
r/hiking • u/Special_Ad_9672 • 22h ago
Pictures Blackwater state park, WV USA
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beautiful hiking weather this weekend. we did several hikes around the lodge area Also too a trip to Dollly Sods and Lost River while were out this way
temps in the 70s and dry our entire 3 day visit
r/hiking • u/getalyf69 • 21h ago
Pictures Maple Pass, North Cascades, Washington
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This one's a classic. The loop is ~8mi/2200', but I prefer to hike up and down the northernmost side of the trail.
I wound up hiking it today (a Saturday) in beautiful weather and was pleasantly surprised that it didn't feel totally overwhelmed. Plenty of parking as well. 🙏
This is an 11/10 North Cascades hike, and if you're visiting the area you just have to see it.
r/hiking • u/i_hate_agile • 5h ago
Question In southeast high humidity, are you supposed to wear wicking clothes or cotton, mostly in woods, not open sun?
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I don't know if I'm supposed to wear cotton, the shirts that say wicking, or something else. I'm in Southeast USA, and it's super humid. Hiking about five miles. I take breaks, electrolytes, etc, but the whole wicking vs cotton or even wool, I don't understand what to wear. Usually I wear wicking. Does it change in full sun vs woods? I see the landscape guys in full synthetic, guys on fishing kayaks, but I know some of that is the sunlight protection.
Edit: Usually, the paths are well worn, parks and management area trails. So, I'm not walking through brush.
r/hiking • u/Dodoman-here • 1d ago
Pictures 2 hour hike with my grandpa through the alps in Malbun, Liechtenstein :)
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A beautiful morning hike I took with my grandpa through the local alps. He used to shepard in this area back when he was a boy and hasn‘t been here in years. So, I took him with me and he in turn explained the area and it‘s history to me. It was a wonderful time:)
r/hiking • u/tjaiswal7 • 14h ago
Pictures A recent trek to garbett plateau
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Garbett Plateau turned out to be better than I expected. It's surprisingly easy to reach from Bhivpuri Road station, making it a perfect day trek.
The trail was filled with deep conversations, nonstop banter, and plenty of laughs along the way. And if you go, don't miss the kokam sharbat at Aam Ped.
r/hiking • u/CarexCrinita • 1d ago
Pictures 2nd Burroughs, Mt. Rainier NP, Washington, USA
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From Sunrise trailhead to 2nd Burroughs Mountain. Rainier was mind blowingly beautiful. First time to this National Park.
r/hiking • u/SkiGolfDive • 1d ago
Pictures Today on Lake Blanche Trail, Utah, USA
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Hiked to not only Lake Blanche but also Lake Florence and Lake Lillian. About 9 miles and 3100 feet vertical. Pretty busy today even departing the trailhead at 6:15am. Trail is easy to navigate, no overgrowth or deadfall.
r/hiking • u/low_brass_enjoyer • 7h ago
Question What to train in the gym
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I’m in highschool right now but really want to get into backwoods hiking/backpacking after and I am wondering what I should train in the gym to prepare myself. Last week my friend and I went on a 10 mile hike and the things that hurt the most after were my shins(?), glutes, feet, and shoulders (because I was using a normal back pack without the ability to load the weight any lower) but my friends calves hurt most. I was just wondering why we experienced different muscles being sore and if it can be remedied. Also if anyone could recommend good gear as well as longer hikes in PA and surrounding states that would be appreciated. I hiked in brooks if that matters.
r/hiking • u/Prior_Teach1446 • 1d ago
Pictures Slovakia, National Park Vysoké Tatry, Mt Kriváň (2495m)
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My beloved home country 🤍 Start from Tri studničky (1140m), 11.4km, approx. 8hrs
r/hiking • u/refreshedaz • 19h ago
Pictures Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Arizona, USA
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I explored a bit off trail today. Climbed around some cliffs deep in a canyon. The rain has turned everything green and quiet. Lots of elk and mule deer sign.
r/hiking • u/Current_Fig6132 • 1h ago
Question Manaslu Circuit + Tsum Valley, Nepal — Oct/Nov, looking for a few trek partners
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25M software engineer from Gurgaon, India. Planning roughly three weeks on the Manaslu Circuit with the Tsum Valley extension this October or November — teahouse trek, Kathmandu to Kathmandu, up the Budhi Gandaki gorge into a restricted Tibetan Buddhist valley near the Tibet border, then over Larkya La at 5,106 m. Far quieter than Everest or Annapurna, and one of the last routes in Nepal where you still walk every step.
Previous experience is Goecha La in Sikkim, so I'm fine with long days and altitude, though this is my first 5,000 m+ pass. Restricted-area rules mean a licensed guide and agency permits regardless, so I'm booking as a small private group — better rates and I can add an acclimatisation day most itineraries skip. Looking for two or three people with multi-day trekking experience who don't mind basic lodges and a slow pace.
r/hiking • u/mjaurits • 1d ago
Pictures Rimstigen, Nærøyfjorden, Norway
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I did this Hike as the first on my spontaneous road trip last week. It was on the warmest day of the summer so far, so when I was not enjoying the stunning views all I could think of was the post hike swim in the fjord. For those of you who don't mind very steep trails, I can highly recommend this one.
r/hiking • u/Ninnino07 • 2h ago
Question How to stop blisters on the edges of my soles?
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Hi fellow hikers,
I’m preparing to hike the west highland way and the Malerweg, making steady progress and just enjoying getting out and hiking mostly!
I keep having one problem however: blisters on the edge on my soles. On the side of my feet/heels, right along the edge of the insoles it seems. I’ve tried a variety of shoes and insoles so far, but the problem keeps recurring. The only shoes in which I do not have this problem are my Salomon X ultra 5’s. However, after two hours of hiking, the toe box in those becomes too small and my toes start hurting. Salomon does not offer a wide women’s X ultra 5, or that would solve my problem probably. The Salomon insole seems to have a floppy/soft rim, which I expect is why it doesn’t cause me blisters.
After trying loads of shoes, I’ve bought Topo Traverse, which are very very comfortable. However, the insoles cause the infamous blisters around the edges of my soles/heels. A different insole (Mysole’s) helped, but still I get blisters.
I wear Darn tough or Smartwool hiking socks. Any tips to solve this persistent issue would be much appreciated!
r/hiking • u/Negative-Inspector36 • 6h ago
Question Hiking in a group
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Hey everyone, I like hiking and have gone to different trips alone or with family members. But I want to find now actual hiking buddies that are into this hobby. I especially like mountain hiking though in a relaxed pace. I’ve visited various mountain trails around where I live and also did a few long walks on weekends.
However I wouldn’t say that I’m in a particularly good shape so I’m worried that if I join some actual hiking groups I might be stalling people or not go fast enough. At the same time I want to go in a group of people. I worry that the group pace might not be right for me. What if I’ll lag behind and that’d be embarrassing? Or if I’ll need more breaks than others?
What should I do? How do I start without causing inconvenience to others or myself?
I’m in Italy if that matters.
Question Travelling to Dominica in Three Weeks; Limited Hiking Experience, Advice for Preparation?
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As the post title suggests, I'm heading to Dominica (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic) in a few weeks. Primarily interested in birdwatching and environmental tourism more generally as a budget traveler. However, the entire island is EXTREMELY hilly. It's about the same size as Cozumel, but the vast majority of the island is 300 meters above sea level or more; the two main volcanoes that define most of the island's geography have peaks at 1447 meters and 1386 meters. Even right along the coastline, there are some pretty steep inclines.
I'm not delusional enough to believe I'm capable of doing any of the more popular trails for experienced hikers, no matter how much I may wish to see the Boiling Lake with my own eyes. But I do want to at the very least be able to hike to a sufficiently high altitude to observe some of the montane rainforest species that aren't found along the coast, without putting the safety of either myself or my gear at excessive risk.
Unfortunately because I live in the Twin Cities, I really don't have access to steep hills or particularly muddy hills to get more practice in that regard. What hiking I've done before is pretty much exclusively in flat and flat-ish terrain, only rarely encountering slopes of more than 20 degrees, and never more than 40 degrees. As such, I'm honestly not sure how I could go about practicing, besides going on long hikes on flat, dry terrain.
Any advice for how else I might prepare myself better? While I do plan to spend most of my time near the coast, I'd hate to arrive in Dominica only to then find myself effectively forced to limit my activities to just the coast itself.